Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in connection with magnetic resonance imaging are provided. Metabolites hyperpolarized by dynanic nuclear polarization are used as reporter molecules in nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) spectroscopy to study metabolic pathways and diagnose disease states. The reporter molecules include hyperpolarized glutamine and hyperpolarized acetate. The invention includes the reporter molecules, compositions including the reporter molecules in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, methods for studying metabolic pathways that include introducing one or more of the reporter molecules to a mammalian subject and imaging a target substance using NMR spectroscopy, and kits useful in studying metabolic pathways that incorporate one or more of the reporter molecules and instructions for their use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanosensor of miRNA activity in a target cell, and methods of use, for detection and diagnostic applications. The nanosensor comprises a delivery particle comprising an iron oxide crystal coated with a polymer; and a sensor oligonucleotide covalently attached to the polymer. The sensor oligonucleotide comprises a seed region, comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is completely complementary to the target miRNA and comprises a cleavage site which can be engaged and cleaved by the target miRNA.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system (1) includes an ultrasound (US) imaging unit (2), a registration unit (30), an US motion unit (44), and a real-time dose computation engine (46). The ultrasound (US) imaging unit (2) generates a baseline and real-time US images (3) of a subject body (4) region including a target and one or more Organs At Risk (OARs). The registration unit (30) deformably registers a planning image (32) and the baseline US image (36), and maps (66) radiation absorptive properties of tissue in the planning image (32) to the baseline US image (36). The US motion unit (44) measures motion of the target volume and OARs during radiation therapy treatment based on the real-time US images. The real-time dose computation engine (46) computes a real-time radiation dose delivered to the tissues based on the tissue radiation absorptive properties mapped from the baseline or planning images to the real-time 3D US images (3).

Abstract: The present invention discloses thiourea-containing dendrimers and thiourea-containing hyperbranched polymers, and respectively a preparation method for the thiourea-containing dendrimer and a preparation method for the thiourea-containing hyperbranched polymer, and a thiourea-containing dendrimer and a thiourea-containing hyperbranched polymer having increased water solubility prepared by using the thiourea-containing dendrimer and the thiourea-containing hyperbranched polymer as raw materials. Finally, disclosed are applications of the thiourea-containing dendrimers and the thiourea-containing hyperbranched polymers in the preparation of antitumor and antimicrobial drugs. The thiourea-containing dendrimer and the thiourea-containing hyperbranched polymer have a significant growth inhibitive effect on solid tumors and low toxicity to normal tissues, and thus can be used for preparing drugs for treating malignant tumors.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating water metabolism of cells, which comprises an energy wave generator has an energy wave's frequency control mode. The energy wave's frequency control mode includes multiple controls for acting the energy wave generator to generate and emit energy waves each with a corresponding energy density. The energy density is calculated by a corresponding base frequency, a sweep bandwidth of the corresponding base frequency, an emission rate and a total time of emission in a duty cycle, so that the energy waves with the corresponding energy densities effecting on the body of animals or human to regulate water metabolism of cells of animals or human.

Abstract: Provided are humanized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or fragments thereof that bind with specificity to the Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) human tumor antigen. Three distinct variable heavy and three variable light chains are provided, and can be combined to make a total of twenty-five distinct heavy and light chain combinations. Methods of using the mAbs and fragments thereof for cancer therapy and diagnostic imaging are provided, as are methods for making the mAbs and fragments thereof. In vitro cell cultures that express the mAbs and fragments thereof, and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining an objective tumor response to an anti-cancer therapy using cross-sectional images includes receiving a cross-sectional image of digital medical image data, identifying a set of pixels within the cross-sectional image corresponding to a target lesion, and analyzing the set of pixels with an image processing module to identify an upper and lower threshold of pixel intensities within a total range of pixel intensities, define a subset of pixels from the set of pixels that correspond to vascularized tumor and that have pixel intensities greater than or equal to the lower threshold and lower than or equal to the upper threshold, and derive a vascular tumor burden for the set of pixels. The method further includes determining the objective tumor response for the target lesion, wherein the objective tumor response is based on the vascular tumor burden.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid pharmaceutical formulation containing a complex of macrocyclic chelate with a lanthanide and a mol/mol amount of free macrocyclic chelate of between 0.002% and 0.4%, advantageously between 0.02% and 0.3% and very advantageously between 0.025% and 0.

Abstract: Nanohybrid preparation methods and compositions, and their usage as oil/water emulsion stabilizers for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (C-EOR). These methods have two main steps: (a) MWCNTs modification; and (b) encapsulation and insertion techniques to insert inorganic nanoparticles into the modified MWCNTs structure. The so-prepared nanohybrids used for the preparation of nanofluids were found to decrease the oil surface tension and reservoir wettability modification from oil-wet to water-wet, which is useful for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (C-EOR).

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and compositions for non-invasively assessing the molecular structure of biocompatible hydrogels using MRI analysis. It is shown that biocompatible hydrogels prepared from polymerizing macromolecules that are attached to a paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic contrast agents form reporter gels wherein monitoring of the changes in the structure of the hydrogels by MRI is facilitated by the presence of such paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic agents in the biocompatible hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating uterine fibroids, wherein a uterine fibroid treatment agent comprising collagenase in an amount effective to cause shrinkage of uterine fibroids is injected or inserted into the uterine fibroid.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, method and computer-readable medium for isolating chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast from magnetization transfer asymmetry under two-frequency RF irradiation. A two-pool model for magnetization transfer (MT) can be established fully based on Provotorov's theory of saturation, and then extended to the situation of simultaneous two-frequency RF irradiation. Numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that two-frequency RF irradiation can make MT effects independent of irradiation frequency over a wide range, and thus can suppress MT asymmetry. Exemplary embodiments can be provided to isolate chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast from MT asymmetry contrast by using the two-frequency RF irradiation technique. A further embodiment can isolate a narrow-frequency spectrum MT mechanism from a broad-frequency spectrum MT mechanism.

Abstract: Parahydrogen Induced Polarization was employed to prepare nuclear singlet state between methylene and methyl protons in propane gas. Low-field MRI preserves this singlet state with much longer TS=4.7±0.5 s. Spin-Lock Induced Crossing (SLIC) transforms singlet state in observable nuclear magnetization suitable for MRI with sub-millimeter and sub-second spatial and temporal resolution respectively with signal enhancement>10,000 times. Long-lived spin states created in hyperpolarized propane-d6 gas can be detected directly at 0.0475 T. This long lifetime and non-toxic nature of propane gas could be useful for bio-imaging applications including potentially pulmonary low-field MRI. The feasibility of high-resolution low-field 2D gradient-echo MRI was demonstrated with 0.88×0.88 mm2 spatial and ˜0.7 s temporal resolution respectively at 0.0475 T. Propane is a non-toxic gas, and therefore, these results enable low-cost high-resolution high-speed MRI of gases for imaging of lungs.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a composition comprising acetic anhydride, a DNP agent and a gadolinium complex and its use for the preparation of hyperpolarised imaging agent for MR diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: Nanoparticle having a poly(beta-amino ester) coating. The poly(beta-amino ester) coating includes one or more therapeutic agents that can be delivered by the particle and one or more anchoring groups that couple the polymer to the nanoparticle's core surface. In certain embodiments, the poly(beta-amino ester) includes one or more polyalkylene oxide groups. The poly(beta-amino ester) can further include a targeting agent to target the nanoparticle to a site of interest and a diagnostic agent that allows for imaging of the particle. Methods for making and using the nanoparticles are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid pharmaceutical formulation containing a complex of macrocyclic chelate with a lanthanide and a mol/mol amount of free macrocyclic chelate of between 0.002% and 0.4%, advantageously between 0.02% and 0.3% and very advantageously between 0.025% and 0.

Abstract: Assays used in conjunction with a thermal contrast reader are disclosed. In the assay, the test strip includes materials that can develop a thermal response if a target analyte is present in a sample. The thermal contrast reader includes housing having an opening to receive the test strip at a test location, an energy source directed at the test location and a heat sensor directed at the test location. The heat sensor is configured to sense heating of the test strip upon activation of the heat source at the test location, if the target analyte is present in the sample. The heat sensor can provide sensor output using diagnostic circuitry coupled to the sensor output and configured to provide a diagnostic output. The diagnostic output can indicate the diagnostic condition of the patient as a function of the sensor output. The present disclosure also includes methods of detecting target analytes and kits comprising lateral flow assays and thermal contrast reader.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for electronic residual spectroscopy for atomic-scaled surface and sub-surface information purification. The method comprises collecting at least one reference spectrum and a plurality of spectra under various conditions. The background of all the plurality of spectra is then subtracted and the plurality of spectra are normalized. Subtracting the reference spectrum from the normalized plurality of spectra will give atomic-scaled, meaningful information at selected zones.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary gas exchange and/or alveolar-capillary barrier status include obtaining at least one MRI image and/or image data of hyperpolarized 129Xe dissolved in the red blood cells (RBC) in the gas exchange region of the lungs of a patient. The image is sufficiently sensitive to allow a clinician or image recognition program to assess at least one of pulmonary gas exchange, barrier thickness or barrier function based on the 129Xe MRI image.

Abstract: Polyglutamates are well known to be highly biocompatible, biodegradable and multifunctional polymers, which have been already used as building blocks in polymer drug conjugates and polymeric micelles. Those systems have been applied to various medical applications ranging from therapy to molecular imaging. Furthermore a polyglutamic acid (PGA) paclitaxel conjugate has already entered clinical studies (Opaxio™ PGA-PTX conjugate currently in phase III of Clinical trials). In this context, a synthetic pathway to a plethora functional polyglutamates (homopolymers, block-co-polymers, tribocks) with well-defined structure, adjustable molecular weight (Mw) and low dispersity (D=Mw/Mn<1.2) applying the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) has been developed.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid vehicles that can be used to create dilute solutions of water-soluble pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles are formulated to provide desired osmolalities, viscosities, pH, and taste masking capabilities to match the particular intentions of the user and to complement the inherent differences in the various oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles comprise an aqueous medium, an osmotic agent to adjust osmolality, a buffering agent, a viscosity agent, and sweeteners and flavoring agents to improve palatability.

Abstract: Iron oxide complexes, pharmacological compositions and unit dosage thereof, and methods for their administration, of the type employing an iron oxide complex with a polyol, are disclosed. The pharmacological compositions employ a polysaccharide iron oxide complex, wherein the polysaccharide is a modified polyol such as a carboxyalkylated reduced dextran. The complex is stable to terminal sterilization by autoclaving. The compositions are suitable for parenteral administration to a subject for the treatment of iron deficiencies or as MRI contrast agent. The complex is substantially immunosilent, provide minimal anaphylaxis and undergo minimal dissolution in vivo. The pharmacological compositions of the complex contain minimal free iron which can be quantified by a variety of methods.

Abstract: A stable composition useful for myocardial perfusion imaging contains one or more 2-alkynyladenosine derivatives; and a solvent which is made up of water and hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a nanoparticle, which can be used effectively for Raman analysis based on very high amplification effect of electromagnetic signal by plasomonic coupling of nanogap formation inside thereof and high reproducibility, and which includes core and surrounding shell with nanogap formation between the same and the method of synthesis thereof. The present invention is also to provide the method for detecting the analyte using the above nanoparticle and the analyte detection kit including the above nanoparticle.

Abstract: New radical compounds, useful in the field of MRI imaging of formula (I). The radical compounds are in particular new triarylmethyl (“trityl”) radicals which can be used as polarizing agents for polarizing a molecule in the DNP process.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a compound of the formula (1), wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are substituents, at least one of which contains a carborane cluster; and M is selected from two hydrogen ions and one or two metal ions, wherein any metal ions present are charge-balanced by one or more counter ions; and (b) a vehicle comprising: (i) dimethylacetamide as solvent; and (ii) a co-solvent comprising one or more of tetraglycol; propylene glycol; polyethylene glycol; and a non-ionic surfactant. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful as radiation sensitizers in radiation treatment of cancers.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a polymer coated ferrite fine particles being possible to control a particle size uniformly while having high aqueous dispersibility and preferred biomolecule immobilization ability and an easy method for preparing the same. [Means Addressing Object] In an aqueous solvent, iron ion is protected by chelating polyacrylic acid and then alkaline is added. Thereafter, a reaction system is heated under pressurized condition to produce simultaneous precipitation of the ferrite fine particles and coating thereof. As the result, the polymer coated ferrite fine particles having uniform particle size may be prepared in one step with excellent reproducibility. The polymer coated ferrite fine particles of the present invention has high water dispersibility and has preferred biomolecule immobilization performance by carboxyl groups coming from the polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing a hyperpolarized sample for use in a magnetic resonance investigation has the following steps: a) providing a solid sample (50), containing long T1 nuclei and short T1 nuclei in the same molecules (51); b) hyperpolarizing the short T1 nuclei in the solid sample (50); c) transforming the solid sample (50) into a liquid sample (52); and d) transferring the polarization of the short T1 nuclei to the long T1 nuclei within the molecules in the liquid sample (52) by Cross Polarization. The method can provide samples with hyperpolarized long T1 nuclei, in particular 13C or 15N, in a simple and efficient way.

Abstract: Compounds and uses of the compounds are provided. The compounds can be used as Fe(II) sequestering compounds. For example, these compounds can be used to sequester Fe(II) in cells, organs, vasculature, or tissues. Also, provided are compositions and methods of using the them for sequestering Fe(II) in an individual. The compounds can be used as MRI paraCEST contrast agents.

Abstract: A method of preparing a hydrogen-containing 13C compound test sample exhibiting an enhanced 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal when exposed to a 13C NMR pulse sequence is disclosed. In the disclosed method, the hydrogen-containing 13C compound is mixed with hyperpolarized 129Xe in the gaseous state, and the mixture is subsequently frozen within a magnetic field. The magnetic field strength is then reduced sufficiently so that spin polarization is transferred from the hyperpolarized 129Xe to the compound. The magnetic field strength is then increased, and the mixture is thawed to obtain the test sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic nuclear polarisation method for producing hyperpolarised carboxylates of organic amines and amino compounds and compositions for use in that method. The DNP agent preferably is a stable oxygen-based, sulphur-based or carbon-based trityl radical. Optionally a paramagnetic metal ion is present.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing photosensitivity induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The compositions and methods of the present method employ porphyrin complexing molecules as agents for reducing photosensitivity.

Abstract: Present invention relates to an ultrasonically-triggered drug vehicle with magnetic resonance imaging function. In the delivery system of the invention, tracks the of drug vehicle carrying a certain drug (or drugs) is detectable by magnetic resonance imaging, and the release of drug is triggered by ultrasonication when the drug vehicle arrives at target site and accumulates to a desirable concentration. The MRI-guided drug delivery system provides improved accuracy of drug releasing, including position and timing.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or spectroscopy on a MR scanner to detect tissue physiological parameters in one or more tissue areas in a human or non-human subject includes administering to the subject a contrast enhancing physiologically tolerable amount of a sugar that is non-labeled, subjecting the subject to an MR procedure capable of generating MR signals encoding at least one tissue area in the subject in which the sugar either passes or is taken up, detecting a temporal variation in the MR signals in the at least one tissue area after the administering the sugar, determining at least one tissue-related parameter from the temporal variation, and ascertaining whether the at least one tissue-related parameter is abnormal.

Abstract: Provided are a mussel adhesive protein-mimetic dispersion stabilizing agent to disperse nanoparticles in an aqueous medium, a colloidal solution including nanoparticles dispersed and stabilized by the dispersion stabilizing agent, and a contrast agent including the colloidal solution. More particularly, the mussel adhesive protein-mimetic dispersion stabilizer is a polyethyleneimine-graft-(poly-ethyleneglycol;polyDOPA) PEI-graft-(PEG;PDOPA). The graft polymer is formed of two parts. One is polyethyleneglycol grafted with a polyethyleneime which has an affinity to an aqueous medium, and the other is polyDOPA which has an affinity to the surface of nanoparticles. Because of those characteristics, the stabilizer shows a stable dispersion of nano particles in the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A contrast imaging method e.g. of the T2* weighted “BOLD” type is adapted by use together with an oxygen challenge to provide imaging for the assessment of the metabolic responses of tissue over a period of time the method utilizing three components, oxygen, deoxyhaemoglobin, and oxyhaemoglobin together with time, to provide four variable parameters which allows oxygen to be used as a metabolic marker that can be utilized in an imaging evaluation of soft tissue and organs, e.g. in the study of viable tissue and organ function or dysfunction, which allows utility in diagnosis and assessment of conditions such as cancer, dementia, circulatory disorders, and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis and use of functionalized, substituted naphthalenes are described. The functionalized, substituted naphthalenes display useful properties including liquid crystals and fluorescence properties, such as solvatochromatic fluorescence, with high quantum yields, Stoke's shift, and show emission maxima that are significantly red-shifted.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preventing or treating inflammation and associated states (e.g. infection, hypersensitivity, pain) by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an oxidative reduction potential (ORP) water solution that is stable for at least about twenty-four hours. The ORP water solution administered in accordance with the invention can be combined with one or more suitable carriers and can be administered in conjunction with one or more additional therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for various malignant tumors, including currently intractable solid tumors, which contains a novel antibody having the ability to bind to human LAT1/CD98 and inducing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity specifically against cancer cells as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of osteoarthritis. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating or preventing osteoarthritis. In one embodiment, a method for treating or preventing osteoarthritis in a patient comprises the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) inhibitor.

Abstract: UV-Laser-synthesized, fluorescent, spherical and magnetic nanoparticles are loaded Sophorolipid mesostructures useful for bio-imaging and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a composition comprising hyperpolarised 13C-pyruvate, the composition and its use as an imaging agent for MR imaging.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a hyperpolarized amino acid, in particular glutamine, which substantially limits the formation of by-products, with respect to conventional aqueous preparations of sodium hydroxide with amino acids. The amino acid is in particular admixed with the hydroxide in the substantial absence of water and the dry mixture is dissolved in an anhydrous solvent in the presence of a polarizing agent. The obtained mixture is then subjected to a DNP process and can be used in metabolic MR imaging.

Abstract: This invention relates to homoglutamic acid derivatives suitable for labeling or already labeled with 18F or 19F, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, kits comprising such compounds or compositions and uses of such compounds, compositions or kits for diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A method for modulating a response signal includes introducing functionalized particles into a lumen of subsurface vasculature, wherein the functionalized particles are configured to interact with one or more target analytes present in blood circulating in the subsurface vasculature; and non-invasively detecting the one or more target analytes. A response signal, which may include a background signal and an analyte response signal related to interaction of the functionalized particles with the one or more target analytes, is transmitted from the subsurface vasculature. A modulation configured to alter the response signal such that the analyte response signal is affected differently than the background signal may be applied to a portion of subsurface vasculature. Analyte detection may be achieved by differentiating the analyte response signal from the background signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting a cancer cell in an individual, methods of grading a cancer, and methods of treating a cancer. The methods involve use of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that comprise a moiety that provides for selective association with, and/or metabolic uptake into, a cancer cell.

Abstract: A medical delivery system that enables the delivery of therapeutic agents to malignant tissue utilizing delivery agents and heating of the delivery agents thereby causing the release of the therapeutic agents within the tumor is disclosed. The therapeutic agents may be chemotherapy agents, radiation therapy agents, and other appropriate materials. The magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated by the therapeutic agents in a biocompatible coating may be delivered to tumor sites utilizing attenuated strains of bacteria that seek and reside at tumor sites. An alternating magnetic field device with a prescribed frequency range may be used to induce heating of the magnetic nanoparticles in the patient thereby melting the coating and releasing the therapeutic agents within the tumor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and products, such as kits, useful for determining the apoptotic state of cells in an organism, comprising detecting the presence or abundance of at least one caspase affinity labeling agent in the cells of an animal into which at least one caspase affinity labeling agent has been introduced, wherein the presence or abundance of the caspase affinity labeling agent correlates with the apoptotic state of the cells.

Abstract: Mucus-penetrating liposomal nanoparticles and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The nanoparticles contain one or more lipids, one or more PEG-conjugated lipids, and optionally one or more additional materials that physically and/or chemically stabilize the particles. The nanoparticle have an average diameter of about 100 nm to about 300 nm, preferably from about 100 nm to about 250 nm, more preferably from about 100 nm to about 200 nm. The particles are mobile in mucus. The liposomes can further contain one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic agent to be delivered to a mucosal surface, such as the CV tract, the colon, the nose, the lungs, and/or the eyes. The liposomes can further contain one or more CEST agents to allow real time imaging of the particles in a live animal. The particles may also further contain an imaging agent, such as a fluorescent label.

Abstract: A method of using an imaging contrast agent is provided for hydrogen magnetic resonance imaging (H MRI). The agent uses replacement and chemical exchange of hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) on obtaining MRI images for comparison. An isotonic physiologic saline solution with deuterium oxide (D2O) is made. The solution is intravenously injected to obtain the intensity alterations on MRI images. The injected D2O is perfused into tissue and replace the original water. Exchanges between H and D occur and a solution of hydrogen deuterium oxide (HDO) is obtained. After such mechanisms, MRI images are compared for differences. Thus, a novel, non-radioactive, non-toxic and non-invasive MRI agent is provided for people who are allergic to general imaging agents.